The Football Brainiacs

University of Oklahoma Edition

– First off, 2015 WR Ryan Newsome did indeed make it to yesterday’s practice. Had a chance to chat with him for a bit and the bottom line is the visit went really well. We get the impression that the Sooners are in a really good spot with Newsome.

– Again, we’ll pass along more defensive notes from yesterday’s practice, and we’ll hopefully have some offensive notes sometime in the next few days. The Sooners also did some scrimmaging yesterday.

– The CB spot opposite Sanchez remains wide open and yesterday no one really stood out. Stanvon Taylor didn’t look good early on in practice, but he came alive once the scrimmage started. Dakota Austin looked good against the pass, but not as good against the run. In general Dakota, Stanvon, and Cortez Johnson all did some good things, but there are still some inconsistencies. They are going to continue to fight for the open spot.

– Ahmad Thomas is someone who is surprising. His hip flexibility far exceeds what we would have expected. Yesterday he even manned up Sterling Shepard and did a nice job. In general, if he can continue to develop his cover skills, his size will make him a very versatile player.

– The ILBs looked good again in coverage, but not nearly as good against the run. In general, the offense had a lot of success running the ball yesterday.

– The DEs were again Chuka Ndulue and Charles Tapper. Matt Dimon got a lot of reps. Charles Walker and Mike Onuoha also got a number of reps. Mike has gained a lot of size, so it appears they are trying him as a 4i now. Generally speaking DL is going to be good, but they didn’t have the best practice yesterday.

– D.J. Ward also got a few reps at the 4i, but nothing really significant yet.

– Torrea Peterson got into the mix at the NG position. Torrea Jordan Wade, and Matt Romar split the reps and they all looked pretty decent. Romar is actually quite strong at the POA, and he’s got a nice first step.

– Geneo Grissom was again starting at Jack LB position, but it’s clear he is still getting used to the position. He had some alignment issues yesterday, and he heard it from Coach Mike a couple times. But there is no denying that he could be really good at that spot once he gets it all down. He’s going to give us a great presence to set the edge against the run. On obvious passing downs, they did have Geneo kick down to the 4i spot and had Eric Striker come in at the Jack LB position. Then Devante Bond would kick over to the strong side OLB position. Needless to say…lots of pass rushers.

– P.L. Lindley actually got some reps at Jack LB as well.

– For the most part, Bond played Jack LB and while he is very up and down right now, his athleticism shows and shows in a big way. His initial step is unreal, and as he gets more comfortable with what he’s doing it’s showing up more and more. He’s able to get low and turn the corner (like Striker). He’s as natural a pass rusher as you will see and again had a sack in this practice.

– FS was again held by Q. Hayes with Thaddeus Lagrone also getting reps.

– Hatari Byrd played SS and had a pretty solid day. The one thing that he seems to still be getting used to is playing center field. As we said earlier in the year, both the FS and the SS players have to be able to do the same things in our scheme, which includes playing deep middle and Hatari is still learning to do that.

– Again, the defense did seem to struggle a bit against the run yesterday. But, to be fair, it sounds like Alex Ross had a killer day. He’s always been known as more of a one cut and go kind of guy, but yesterday he was showing a lot of great start/stop and side-to-side movement.

– Regardless of the aspects that are still in development on the defense, we are very high on what the defense can become. It’s going to be REALLY fun watching this team next season. And we suspect a lot of great defensive recruits are going to want to be part of what OU is building.

***

– Also, an additional recruiting note…Lawton DB Darreyl Patterson picked up another offer yesterday. This time from Wyoming. As we’ve mentioned before, we’ve been told that Bob Stoops is a big fan of Patterson’s. So we’ll be watching things closely with him and the Sooners this spring.

Won

TFB is the best! BOOMER!

Doobie74OU

SOOOONNNNNNEEEEERRRRRRRR!

Herman Bubbert

Not uncommon for the offense to be a little ahead of the other side of the ball at this point in the spring. Appreciate the insights you guys are relaying.

paganpink

And one would hope that EVERYONE will have trouble with our running game this year! Even when they know it’s coming..

Fear The Magic

The real scary part ( for the opposition ) is add in the threat of TK taking off with the ball as well. This should be a fun year.

Mark hale

Usually the defense is ahead of the offense actually. However, no one can touch the QB so they can get there passes away with out pressure. Bennett caught 2 TDs in the scrimmage and one was a 60 yard TD from Mayfield.

BigJoeBrown

This makes Friday’s all that much better!

Ed Cotter

Great stuff as always by TFB. An OU pay site finally got around to posting that Ykili Ross got an offer, and that OU is in his top 2 right now with UCLA. Ykili has also said that OU will definitely get a visit, but not sure if it will be this summer on an unofficial or in the fall on an official. Both Norvell and BJW are recruiting him so I like our chances.

Sooner Ray

Glad to hear Ross is having a good spring but we’ve heard that before Hope he gets the total package figured out so he can actually contribute in the games this season. Sounds like we could see a lot of new defensive wrinkles this year, can’t wait to see it on the field.

JJ

Idk, maybe it really is between his ears. I think there was talk of him being on the edge of not qualifying. I could be wrong though.

Shelby is a Patriot

Thanks for the info, guys!

Andy Montella

Mathew Romar must be a beast to be second team at NG over the likes of Peterson and Russell

Jordan Esco

Somewhat discouraging there has been no mention of Russell in, what, a year plus?

Andy Montella

Maybe they should try him at OG

tforce

OT is where OU really needs help. Wonder if arms are long enough. Late in the career for a switch.

Doobie74OU

Be a lot more discouraging if we weren’t talking about 2 or 3 guys playing well? That is the story with JUCO guys the step up in competition really hurts some and they never really pan out!

nate g

Russell didn’t arrive until August of ’13, IIR.

Gary Robbins

He was discussed for a long time before that and was suppose to be the savior of our defense. Just too much talent in front of him. Being a Senior his time is now. Really puzzling though.

JJ

Didn’t bob allude to applying for a medical RS around the ksu game?

Jordan Esco

Yes. But I’ve yet to hear whether or not they were successful in doing so.

JJ

Should have finished… Is he even practicing?

Andy Montella

Don’t be surprised to see Jordan Phillips at one of the 4i spots when he returns

Jordan Esco

wha???

Andy Montella

He’s athletic enough to play DE, and with Wade playing so well at NG. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them play Jordan Phillips as a DE on some downs

Jordan Esco

I suppose anything is possible, but I’d be really surprised if that (1) actually happened and/or (2) was anything more than an occasional unique instance.

Would be pretty insane to have a front three of Phillips-Wade-Tapper/Walker, or something like that though.

Daryl

But don’t we think our best 4 DL are Phillips Tapper Grissom and Walker. If so it seems the move would not put our best on the field together.

nate g

Yeah, we actually have really good personnel for a 4-3 defense right now.

hOUligan

First 3, yes, but Walker has yet to see the field. But Phillips – Wade – Tapper/Walker up front would be formidable with Grissom and Bond at OLB.

tforce

I agree…vs certain teams who are playing specific packages. SBNation had a article about defensive specialization, and there may be certain situations where Phillips – Wade – Walker is the way to go.

Jordan Esco

What’s SB Nation?

Eric Hoffpauir

Come on now, Jordan. Still lots of good stuff over on SB Nation, even if you do have great stuff here.

Jordan Esco

I was just having a little fun.

Eric Hoffpauir

😛

Epictetus

Brainiacs – One thing I’d like to thank you for is the layout of the site. There is no useless nonsense that slows it down. Very fast, simple and focused on the info. I realize you might have to go to ads or something at some point to generate cash flow, but I love the speed of the site.

BigJoeBrown

True, and another thing I like is the updates. Rather than creating a new post or thread the TFB bolds the update, give a time and keeps it at the top adding it to the original post.

Andy Montella

If none of the CB’s can separate themselves then I bet Cortez Johnson gets the call opposite Sanchez because of his size

SoonerPhins

Im putting my money on Dakota Austin right now, but once again its only April.

Jordan Esco

I’ve thought Taylor all along, so I’ll stick w/ that pick.

Swanny

So what you’re saying is everyone thinks everyone has a shot lol. I’m with Andy though. I have a hard time thinking we’ll go with two undersized CBs.

Daryl

Undersized or not you need guys in this league that know what to do mentally and that can cover. I am not sure Cortez can do that as consistently. Because of coverage skills I am going to lean to Austin

John

It’s almost like we have more talent than positions to play them at. Thanks for updates. Far superior to the pay sites. They go great with a large mug of coffee and an everything bagel with cream cheese. Muchas gracias!

Jordan Esco

“It’s almost like we have more talent than positions to play them at.”

The good type of problem to have.

John

I heartly agree. It’s a great problem to have. It’s been a while since we have had this kind of depth. And not simply bodies, but talented depth. Gawd I can’t wait for the Texas weekend. I’m anxious to see what tricks Mike has up his sleeve with the kind of speed and skill we can put on the field.

tforce

That competition improves all. Been a while since OU’s had this type of problem.

Hollerback

Thanks. Is Quincy Russell a bust? haven’t seen his name mentioned.

Cary Newman

Excellent question. I would like an update as well.

JJsooner1

Yet another great read. Thank you so much.

Just a thought from my day…….the thing that impressed me SO much about the SB win with Bama was what guys were doing when they didn’t have the ball. It seemed like a switch came on and players went from primary to support roles immediately. Like down-field blocking and screening. That, in my humble opinion, is the mark of a team playing as a team.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the diagram is incorrect. I was taught that all the “even” numbered techniques were “head up” alignments. 4i is inside shade of the OT. “Zero” is on the Center’s nose.

That’s it — thanx! I think that conforms to what Bum Phillips first developed but which Bear Bryant is given credit.

JJsooner1

And you would be correct. Bum should get the credit. The Okie 5-2 was an offshoot of the 3-4 if my history is correct.

John

As I learned it, it’s the reverse: the 3-4 is a spin off from the 5-2. The DE’s in the Okie become OLBs in the 3-4.

Sonny Schovanec

John that is a very astute observation. Ive always said the 3/4 is a sexy 50 / okie defense. I promise you if Bud was still alive and seeing how many teams in the league were running the 3/4 he would say BS that’ just a 50 defense.

John

You’re so right about Bud. I spent many a fond Saturday in the south end of Owen Field, watching Bud’s Sooners. Great times.

Sonny Schovanec

When I first started coaching 25 years ago there were still teams running the 5o defense. everyone started going to an even front, a lot of 4/3, some 4/2 and even Buddy Ryan’s 46. when the 3/4 became the sexy thing the more I looked at it I thought “will h3ll that’s just the 50 defense”. in the 50 you have a nose, two Dt’s and two DE’s. The 3/4 coins the the DE’s as OLers. But in terms of responsibility they are very similar. The Red’s out in Clinton still runs the 50 and a ton of cover 3.

Sonny Schovanec

Clap Clap Clap. Thank you John. Ive always said the same. Read below.

JJsooner1

Lol I stand corrected:-) I read it incorrectly.

Sonny Schovanec

Very good JJ. Bud is / was the original 50 guy. Mr. Wilkinson’s innovations are still used today. The drill he coined the “Oklahoma Drill’ stood the test of time and is used across America. when I was in Texas the HS coaches down there even called it the Oklahoma drill. Tell me that isn’t something. Texas people take credit for everything but still call it the “Oklahoma drill”.

I’ve been wondering, if OU is always playing 4i as one gap players, why do they set up in more of a traditional two gap stance? Butt low, head up. Makes me wonder if they are doing quite a bit of two gapping with the ends, also.

Sonny Schovanec

Haven’t watched them that closely to be honest with you.

Leroy Jenkins

How many WR’s would OU take this class? I know we’re in good shape with both Newsome & Stanley Norman (not sure if he’s a WR or DB), but also talked about John Humphrey and a couple others.

SoonerPhins

I would like to see at least 2, if the talent is there why not? I would like to see OU stock up on OL and DL Also pick up some more Linebackers.

Zack

Humphrey would be nice his video on hudl or somewhere listed his 40 below 4.3. Obviously that may not be exact but still he kinda looks like michiah quick.

Daryl

Did anyone else hear the story about Dom Whaley? I didn’t see it on here but heard about it on radio today. Poor guy can’t catch a break. Wish nothing but the best for him. Great Sooner.

bjwalker82

What happened?

SoonerPhins

Pulled his hamstring during his second 40 Yrd Dash attempt.

Pat3332

It was on here yesterday.

soonerjunky

TFB, can you guys look into a RB from Michigan? Alex Grace, from Saginaw-Swan Valley. between 6′-6’1″ and weighs 185-205. He runs a 4.4 40, 10.75 100 meter as a sophmore and this season, he rushed for a state-record 2,962 yards on 295 carries and 36 total touchdowns, after he rushed for 2,163 yards and 27 touchdowns as a sophomore. He plays in Michigan’s second largest classification.

Super K

Will do!

John

Just curious but is he on Gundy’s radar?

soonerjunky

Should be, I don’t think he’s on many people radar. The Brainiacs can fix that if they feel he’s worth it.

captfoss

That has got to be one of the most patient runners I’ve ever seen (for a high school kid)… I logged in specifically to call BS on that 40 time because the kid is so slow through the hole, but then he turns the corner and outruns guys that have the angle on him…

captfoss

Impressive tape aside, there’s no way that kid runs faster than a 4.6…

Steve Johns

Kid has good vision, keeps his eyes down field and finds a lane. Would like to see more receiving and blocking from him.

I don’t see a guy who runs a 4.4 40. He’s a good running back, great vision, got some moves, but I’ve never seen so many poor angles and bad tackling. And just an observation here….but…..I’ve never seen a video clip of so many white kids playing sports against each other either. 😉

RW

Great as always

Bennie Owen

Anyone know why Bob is on crutches?

Zack

Just out of curiosity in ykili Ross is he more interested in playing corner or wr? I finally had time to watch his highlights and looks like he could do either.

Zack

Also any updates on dahu green? Has he been invited to OU related camps or any others?

oupunk

What has happened to Q Russell?

OU_Sooners

The only thing that I dislike about OUs secondary situation is because Dakota Austin is undersized. Unless Tiffany Byrd and Schmitty add 15 pounds to that dude’s frame, Austin is not going to survive a hit from Keith Ford… let alone many of the other D1 backs.

Pat3332

Tiffany? Maybe Hatari?

Steve Johns

She’s on Schmitty’s staff.

Pat3332

Thanks, I take it she’s the nutritionist.

OU_Sooners

Tiffany Byrd is the team nutritionist. *awkward silence*

Stikboy

And I think Sanchez’s arms are half Dakotas’ size. OU has good size everywhere else, but those two dudes are seriously tiny. Run support? Uggghhhh

OU_Sooners

I’m not worried about Sanchez, that dude proved his worth this past year. I’m more concerned about Austin. He’s still at a high school playing weight.

Stikboy

Hey, I’m with you on some of the plays he made in the passing game. But he can’t tackle worth a doo doo. Alabama’s backs and receivers ran through his arm tackle attempts in a pretty embarrassing way…

OU_Sooners

in the first half? Since he missed some tackles in a bowl game, suddenly he can’t tackle very well? Yeah, makes sense.

Stikboy

Thanks for agreeing with me. The Big 12 is a passing league so it wasn’t exposed until OU faced a big bruising running attack with big backs. But he didn’t just stop at running backs he couldn’t tackle their receivers either.

OU_Sooners

dude had 3 tackles in the Alabama game. I’m sure Mikey Stoops wouldn’t put somebody on the field that “couldn’t tackle.” Give me a break.

Stikboy

You’re right, I don’t know what I was thinking. Thanks for allowing me to see your point, made in such an eloquent way. Where else have you posted? I want to learn more…

OU_Sooners

also, did Stoops have some sort of surgery?

blaster1371

If Ahmad Thomas is doing that well in coverage I’m thinking putting Wilson at corner and Thomas at nickel makes a lot of sense. I’m not too keen on these buck and half sized CBs.

nate g

Colvin might have been the best cover guy Stoops has had. At 170.

Wilson isn’t a corner.

blaster1371

Disagree about Wilson, he is a corner who plays nickel. There has been talk on these boards as well as comments made by M Stoops and from Wilson that have communicated him wanting to play corner and is suited for the position. Colvin is among the best Stoops has had at CB IMO Jamell Fleming was better, Reggie Smith was better, Franks was as good. Regardless of how light in the britches Colvin was, 170 is still a lot bigger than 150.

nate g

Taylor, Sanchez, Austin, should all be Colvin’s weight by fall.

Wilson = nickel/safety.

EasTex

When will we see the 4th quarter break down of the Sugar Bowl?

JJ

Yeah….

EasTex

I confess, I am still watching replays of the game several times a week. Bama runs one offensive play in the final six minutes and it results in a Sooner TD, what an effort. I am also convinced, since I haven’t heard or read anything that tells me differently, that the onside kick at the Sooner 10 was called by Stoops, having watched his interaction with Boulware and the kick off team before the kick.

JJ

I confess to still being depressed for laying in a hospital in NOLA instead of in my seats to watch it. I have yet to see the game in its entirety.

EasTex

I don’t know what happened to put you in that sad circumstance. Either going to the hospital or missing the game would have sucked, doing both at the same time exceeds audience comprehension. When you do watch the full game, notice before the kick after the strip and score that Coach Stoops is meeting with Boulware and the kick off team and gets them fired up. Also notice the angle Hodgson kicks the ball. Sure looks like they intended an on-side kick and it worked better than planned.

JJ

Leaving brunch in Jackson Sq & it was very crowded. I stepped off of the side of a set of steps (that had no railing), not off the front. I broke my ankle & it required 14 screws & 2 plates to stabilize 🙁 about 5 hrs before kickoff

EasTex

Just…DANG!

JJ

It has sucked. Hardest thing I have ever done. Was non weightbearing until last thirsday

Boomer4life

Hello.

Gary Robbins

A slow Saturday. Try this for some Sooner sunshine. It’s 15 minutes of interesting facts and video. Good for a slow Saturday.http://vimeo.com/84711943

Sooner Ray

Already seen it Gary and it’s worth every 15 min. of watching, especially on a slow day.